ST. AUGUSTINE – The Flagler College softball team opens the 2024 season this weekend (Feb. 2-4) hosting the Flagler Invitational. The Saints open against Catawba College at 11 a.m. at Flagler Field.   
 
Head coach Kathryn Grant begins her seventh season at Flagler with the help of assistant coach Kaylee Allen, who begins her sixth season. The Saints have eight returnees and welcome in nine newcomers, only three of those being freshman.
 
"I am very excited for the passion and competitiveness that this team brings to the field. They really push each other to be better every day and they have a great time doing it," said Grant. "This group has you sitting on the edge of your seat just waiting to see what they will do next. They are an exciting group to watch!"
 
One of the key returners is senior Cassidy Crump. Last season Crump was the only Saint to earn all-conference honors after batting a team-high .357 and leading the team with 50 hits and 24 runs. She also led in doubles (6), runs batted in (29), slugging percentage (.564), on-base percentage (.424), and stolen bases (12).
 
In the circle, the Saints return sophomore Jordan Sheets who made 26 appearances last season with 21 starts. She threw 123.1 innings with an ERA of 3.92 and posed 50 strikeouts on the season. Senior Madelyn Wise also returns after making 27 appearances last season with 92 innings pitched. She posted 65 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA.
 
"We have a really good mix of returners and newcomers. We returned three pitchers and added two new ones to our rotation," said Grant. "Behind the plate we are brand new, adding a transfer and a freshman, both of which bring command and experience to the field."
 
The field for Flagler is solid mix of returners and newcomers. The Saints add Northwest Florida State College transfer Sydney Stewart to the infield. Stewart was a big player for the Raiders, starting in 61 games and led the team in runs (74) and batting average (.426). She was an all-conference and all-state honoree with an appearance at the NJCCA Softball National Championship. In the outfield, Kyla Knier is a new addition from Indian River State College. Last season she earned the NFCA Gold Glove award for her performance in centerfield.
 
"Our infield and outfield are a mix of returners, transfers and freshmen," said Grant. "Every person on this roster is working hard to positively contribute to this team in any way possible."

The Saints have made it to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament the last two seasons and hope to push even further this year. The PBC preseason coaches' poll has them ranked fifth.
 
"I encourage you to come out and see them in action for yourself," said Grant.
 
Flagler opens the season on Friday through Sunday (Feb. 2-4) with the Flagler Invitational, hosting Catawba College, Barry University and Florida Tech. The Saints are set to start the tournament against Catawba College at 11 a.m. on Friday.

CONNECT WITH THE SAINTS: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube
DOWNLOAD TEAM SCHEDULES: Download Center
FOLLOW YOUR FAVORITE SAINTS TEAM: Sign up for Newsletter